Penticton

Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

A sheriff's vehicle transports Kyle Louie away from the Penticton Court House on Monday

The preliminary inquiry for an Osoyoos Indian Band member accused of stabbing to death his younger brother began Monday in a Penticton courtroom.

Kyle Louie, 23, is facing a charge of second degree murder in the death of Reece Louie, 20, on Feb. 19, 2011, near Oliver.

As many as 16 witnesses are expected to give evidence during the three day hearing.

A publication ban was placed on the proceedings until the end of trial.

Louie, wearing a white shirt and black pants, wept through much of the first day of the inquiry, as did his mother and other family members in the front row.

Osoyoos Indian Band Chief Clarence Louie attended the morning portion. Reece Louie was his nephew.
The family declined to comment in these early stages of the hearing.

On the day in question the police arrived at a home on Black Sage Road on the reserve and found Reece Louie lying outside the residence bleeding and suffering from serious injuries. He was taken to South Okanagan Hospital in Oliver and then Kelowna General Hospital where he died.

Kyle Louie was arrested later that evening in Oliver and charged with aggravated assault, which was upgraded to murder when his brother died,  according to earlier RCMP reports.

The hearing before Judge Greg  Koturbash will continue Tuesday.